This position will assist the Entomology laboratory at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC) in the implementation and maintenance of laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments related to nursery, turfgrass and other specialty crops production systems during the upcoming growing season. Successful candidate will assist the Entomology Principal Investigator and Laboratory Manager with planting, fertilizing, mowing, weed and pest management, data and sample collection in the field, greenhouse and laboratory settings. This is an off-campus position based at the Hampton Roads AREC, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Some of the duties and responsibilities for this position are:
1) Field assistance. Assist in all phases of field, greenhouse and laboratory work and learn to develop skills as a field scouter, identifying and recording pest and beneficial insect densities in crops of interest.
2) Counting insect densities. Be able to identify insect pests and beneficials and count pest and beneficial insect densities from collected plant samples in a timely manner, and as directed.
3) Data collection and entry. Assist with data compilation and entry into computer-based storage system, using Microsoft Office and other programs. Collect data and take notes during field work, and during counting insect densities from field-collected samples.